Main curriculum subjects

This page is problem-based rather than subject-based, since in our experience students face the same problems right across the curriculum. Subject teachers should read both this and the Learning difficulties sections.

Seating

Students should:

• face the teacher
• face the board or demonstration area
• be away from the main aisle or door, to minimise distraction
• have adequate space for the affected arm
• have unrestricted movement of the dominant arm

Production of written material

Problems:

• stabilising of paper
• drawing of graphs, diagrams etc
• setting out of work
• poor co-ordination affecting handwriting

Suggestions:

• A4 is easier to manage than A3
• use of a keyboard can ease problems with handwriting and setting out of work
• blobs of 'blu-tack' can help anchor paper
• loose leaf notebooks or sheets attached to clipboards may be easier to manage than exercise books
• a magnetic board, used with rulers and geometry instruments also backed with magnetic strips, can help with drawing graphs, diagrams etc. (Pre-prepared diagrams and graphs may also be helpful
• extra time may be needed to complete tasks
• tasks may be broken down into more manageable units

Practical work

Problems:

• modelmaking
• conducting experiments
• cookery
• technology
• safety factors (the affected limb may have reduced sensitivity).

Suggestions:

• pairing with another student
• modification of equipment
• extra time to complete tasks

The student may feel more self-conscious or clumsy during practical work, and may need encouragement to participate fully.